CONCERT PROGRAMME

The Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra dedicates this evening to masterpieces by the German genius, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827), and the art of opera. The concert will open with Beethoven's Egmont Overture, written for the play of the same name by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. After this, young soloists Ieva Barbora Juozapaitytė and Edgaras Davidovičius will present the most beautiful opera arias and duets.

The second part of the concert features one of the best known pieces in classical music, the Fifth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven. When asked about the opening motif, repeated throughout the symphony and today called by the critics "the most famous four notes in the history of Western music", Beethoven said: "This is the sound of fate knocking at the door." Because of these words, after the composer's death, the symphony became popular under "Schicksals-Sinfonie" (Symphony of Destiny). E. T. A. Hoffmann, Beethoven's contemporary, wrote about the Fifth Symphony: "How this wonderful composition, in a climax that climbs on and on, leads the listener imperiously forward into the spirit world of the infinite!… the soul of each thoughtful listener is assuredly stirred, deeply and intimately by that wondrous spirit realm where grief and joy embrace him in the form of sound."

This evening, the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra will be led by Ričardas Šumila, the principal conductor of Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre. A former student of maestro Gintaras Rinkevičius, Šumila pursued post-graduate studies in Vienna and in 2004 was invited to work with the Vilnius City Opera and its artistic director Dalia Ibelhauptaitė, a cooperation he enjoys to this day. In 2014, Ričardas Šumila received the Golden Stage Cross for Young Artist Award.

% APPLICABLE DISCOUNTS:

50% off for youth up to 26 years of age. Valid for one ticket when purchased at the Vilnius Congress Hall Box Office upon providing a valid identity document (except for tickets to family concerts).

20% off for senior and disabled people. Valid for two tickets when purchased at the Vilnius Congress Hall Box Office upon providing a valid identity document.

20% off for groups. Valid for groups of 20 or more people. The organiser of the group gets two complimentary tickets to the concert attended by the group.

Discounts do not apply for standing-room and additional-seat tickets.

An extra charge of 1 euro by Tiketa UAB is excluded (discount not applicable).